I've got an iPod Shuffle (1st gen) and when listening, it's easy to work out where you are on a music album because each song is distinctive and you can just recognise the track. Thing is, I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and it's hard to pick up where you last left off and work out where the hell you are because narration is just narration, and it's pretty similar throughout the whole audiobook.

So I want to get an iPod with a screen, so I can visually see which chapter I'm listening to and how far through I am.

I've been onto eBay, and it's a nightmare - the prices are all over the place. iPod Shuffles are being sold at any price between £15 and £55 . Minis are anywhere between £45 and £65. 1st or 2nd gen Nanos start at £40 and go up to £70 or £80. A seller in the US is apparently selling 3rd gen Nanos for £40+P&P. There's just no pattern to prices at all; first gen Minis are selling for more than 2nd gen Nanos... it's crazy.

So, I thought that the best strategy would be to nail down what I wanted, and go from there. I like the idea of flash memory more than a microdrive, but the 1st gen Nano had problems with screen scratches, so the obvious choice is the 2nd gen Nano. Cool. All I have to do is track down a unit refurb'd by Apple and I'll be happy as Larry....

But then I saw this video review of the 3rd gen Nano, and fell in love. Even without my pre-existing admiration for Apple products, the Nano mark III just knocks me on my arse. It's just an awesome piece of technology.

So if I were to buy a 3rd gen Nano, will I be perfectly happy with the 4GB model? Or am I likely to regret not buying the 8GB model? What does everyone think? _________________Intel Mini 2.0GHz C2D (4GB/120GB/SuperDrive/10.5.8 ), 120GB WD Passport, Logitech ergo k/b
iPod Touch (32GB, 3rd gen), iPod Shuffle (512MB, 1st gen)

If you can tell how "bad" the audio is with a couple of earbud sweating in your ears I think you have bigger problems than we can help you with. The audio quality is just fine.

Get the 8GB, then there won't be any problem...unless you're me and you discover the world of VIDEO, then you're going to want to get a 16GB Touch, which is what I ended up doing. They both have their uses.

So many things affect sound quality, I wouldn't worry about it too much, unless you're an audiophile.

If your primary use is audiobooks, if you listen to highly compressed formats (160kbit or less), or if you use inexpensive earphones, I don't think you're going to notice a lick of difference with the 3G iPod Nano versus other models.

Its also a hell of a lot bigger. Size is a big consideration for some folks.

No doubt. That being said, the touch is pretty sleek. It's only 1.5" taller and 3/8" wider than the nano. The thickness is almost a wash. I mean it's not like you're toting around an elephant. Didn't Steve Jobs say it was one of the wonders of the world?

I have the iPod touch and my wife was so impressed, she bought one to replace her Palm. It does everything that a Palm did and much more. If you need something to replace a Palm, the iPod Touch will suit your needs and more._________________2.5 GHZ i5 Mac Minu 8Gb Ram
2.0 Ghz Core 2 Duo Mini, 4Gb RAM
SE
AppleTVII
16GB iPod Touch 32Gb iPhone
32GB Wi-Fi iPad

My daughter bought the current nano earlier in the year and I have to say its superb. Size wise its about half the size of my iPod video and so much thinner. The screen size although slightly smaller doesn't look bad at all. I would definitely buy a nano rather than a classic if I was changing my iPod Video.

For me though it would probably be the Touch, the additional features would make it worth the cost difference and allow me to ditch my HP ipaq PDA. Ideally it would be an iPhone but the high contract prices would prevent me for going that route._________________Phil

I was looking at getting a new Palm, or an HP IPAQ beacuse I wanted a wi-fi PDA, and I was wishing apple did a PDA then it dawned on me that that's pretty much what the Touch is. It confuses me why shops don't include the iPod Touch in their PDA section rather than the MP3 section. It looks an amazing device (especially considering the forthcoming firmware upgrade that'll allow you to 'legally' install applications) and I've now settled on getting the 16GB - just looking around for the best price now.

As to the sound quality, I defy anyone to tell the difference. Unless you are listening in a quiet room on a pair of Ec3s then all iPods will be very similar.

If like me, you are mainly listening while outside or on public transport, then any iPod will be fine for sound and your choice falls to capacity, size and features._________________He's not all there.
Mac Mini 2.16Ghz, 2GB, 200GB Momentus, 10.6.6
PowerBook G4, 867Mhz, 640Mb, 80GB, 10.4.11
Mac SE 8Mhz, 2MB, 40GB Seagate, 6.07

Well until the touch or iPhone can do internet radio I'm sticking to my iPaq, even iTunes radio would be enough since I've found a couple stations with what I like on there._________________"You must control your future by taking command of your present, and fixing and learning from your past."

I have the iPod touch and my wife was so impressed, she bought one to replace her Palm. It does everything that a Palm did and much more. If you need something to replace a Palm, the iPod Touch will suit your needs and more.

Thank you Bobaloo, I hadn't thought of the Touch as a PDA. If OmniGroup would just write a version of OmniOutliner for the iPhone/Touch, I would be over to the Apple store like a shot... _________________Intel Mini 2.0GHz C2D (4GB/120GB/SuperDrive/10.5.8 ), 120GB WD Passport, Logitech ergo k/b
iPod Touch (32GB, 3rd gen), iPod Shuffle (512MB, 1st gen)